Memorial-Funeral Arrangements for Michael Dennison

It's with a heavy heart that we must ask our dear friends and family for help...

 

Early in the morning of January 13, 2022, Michael Roy Dennison passed in peace surrounded by loved ones at the age of 69. He resided in Gloucester Point, born and raised in Hillburn, NY, by the late James and Maisie Dennison. Michael is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his sons Michael Dennison Jr. (Dena) and Matthew Dennison, stepdaughter Deanna Baker (Justin), and eight beautiful grandchildren (Bobby, Mikey, Thalia, Sebastian, Bernadette, Felicia, Lex, and Guillermo Ospina III). He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Marcella, Rodney, Carol, John, Lenny, Joe, and Donald, as well as many nephews and nieces including a special niece, Luana Jennings. He is predeceased by brothers James Jr., Raymond, Richard, Truman and sisters Bert, Sondra Lee, and Desiree; as well as stepson Guillermo “Nino” Ospina Jr. Michael always had a smile on his face and liked to joke and laugh. He was a passionate NY Yankees fan who loved to fish. Michael loved music and was an excellent guitar player who belted out classic country tunes with his family. In his youth he raised chickens in his backyard. His love for the outdoors transferred into his adulthood, as he took every chance he had to work in the yard with his wife. His family is grateful for the impact he left on their lives and the memories left in their hearts. No matter the situation, Michael was always able to put a smile on your face and show his love. He was truly one of a kind and his memory will live on forever.

We thank everyone for loving and supporting Mike through his cancer. He felt the love everyone had for him. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Riverside Neurology, Riverside Peninsula Cancer Center and Riverside Walter Reed Hospice for their care and dedication.

The family received friends Monday, January 17, 2022 at Hogg Funeral Home and had a lovely celebration of life service in the Chapel officiated by Pastor Art Wolz. 

We are asking for support to cover memorial and funeral arrangements. Please consider donating if you are able to do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this very difficult time. We would also appreciate it if you could share this page.

If you have pictures that you would like to share please send them to Deanna Baker via Facebook or Facebook messenger.

Thank you for your love and support, it is gratefully appreciated.


Background...

On August 31, 2021 Michael Dennison was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) – a rare, aggressive, cancerous, fatal brain tumor – the deadliest type of brain tumor.

 

Mike had been experiencing undetected symptoms for about a month – lethargy, headaches, loss of appetite, problems speaking, trouble concentrating…and then towards the end of the month nausea, problems with memory, trouble walking, and personality changes.

 

Throughout this time, he refused to seek treatment until he was unable to refuse treatment no more. His wife Barbara and stepdaughter Deanna called an ambulance to take him to Riverside Walter Reed Emergency Department, where they thought it might have been an undetected stroke. What they discovered on the CT scan was a mass the size of a baseball in his left frontal lobe. He was then transferred to the Riverside Regional Medical Center where they performed a craniotomy operation the next day.

 

They removed approximately 90% of the tumor and confirmed the diagnosis and sent it for a second opinion which would later double confirm the diagnosis as well.

 

On September 9th Mike was released to home, as a rehabilitation facility was not an option due to COVID-19 and logistics. He will have the support of Riverside Home Health for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and nursing care.

 

Right now it is one day at a time. As far as his treatment plan, quality of life is the focus. The plan is to do daily radiation in conjunction with chemotherapy. Deanna and Barbara will be by his side to give him total care and help navigate him through this complex and scary diagnosis.


December Update...

It has been a long four months caring for Mike. While the radiation and chemotherapy provided us some additional quality time with him, we are sad to report that he is not doing well. We will be seeking the help of Hospice and will continue to provide our love and care to him. We humbly ask that you please show your support through a donation so that we can ensure that Mike’s final wishes can be fulfilled. Every dollar counts at this difficult time, and we appreciate anything you can please contribute. Please consider the request, and please keep us in your prayers. Thank you.

 

The goal of the fundraiser was to hire various home support services and fulfill Mike's wishes, but now we will be focusing on his final expenses. Thank you in advance for you support!